Minnesota Archives - Page 218 of 356

Duluth Mayor, Police Chief Talk ‘Defund the Police’ Movement

Mayor Emily Larson and Police Chief Mike Tusken believe the Duluth Police Department is a leader with its holistic approach to policing.

July 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – As discussions about defunding and reforming police continue to evolve at the state and national level, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and Police Chief Mike Tusken are giving us their insight on the issue. And you might be surprised to hear, much of the change being asked of law enforcement across the country has already been in place…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Is Looking For Donations

July 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – The St. Louis rescue squad is asking for the community’s help. They are looking for donations to help them get more equipment as the summer has turned into a busy season for rescues. The rescue squad is an all-volunteer organization and relies on donations to help them continue to be a resource for saving lives in…

Art Gallery Does Virtual Showcase

July 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has been preventing many people from visiting local art galleries. The Joseph Nease gallery in Duluth is taking a new approach to showcasing artwork by going virtual. Art currently displayed at the gallery was supposed to debut to the public in March, but the pandemic struck the northland. All of the pieces were created by…

Itasca County Officials Provide Update on COVID-19, Senior Living Facilities

Cases of COVID-19 Continue to Climb in Itasca County

July 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Officials say coordination has been key to successful COVID-19 response strategies inside long term care facilities in Itasca County. Health professionals and management from many of the senior care facilities in the county provided an update Thursday morning on response efforts. Management from The Emeralds at Grand Rapids report they haven’t had any new cases of…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hosts Marble Scavenger Hunt

This is the first time Lake Superior Art Glass has put on the scavenger hunt.

July 23, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Marble Day and in celebration, Lake Superior Art Glass hid 10 marbles around Canal Park for people to find. Making the marbles is a specialty of the owner, so their team took the opportunity to participate in the national day. Anyone who finds the marble can keep them. Management hopes this event boosts their business….

Justice, Lane Bryant Stores to Close as Ascena Retail Group Files for Bankruptcy

July 23, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — The operator of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, the latest retailer to do so during the pandemic. Mahwah, New Jersey-based Ascena Retail Group Inc., which operates nearly 3,000 stores mostly at malls, had been dragged down by debt and weak sales for years. As part of its bankruptcy…

Gov. Walz Signs Police Accountability Bill

July 23, 2020

Site Staff,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act into law Thursday. State lawmakers passed the measure earlier this week at the end of their special session. The bill includes several reforms, including a ban on chokeholds and so-called “warrior training”, requiring officers to intervene if another officer uses unreasonable force and adding…

Free COVID-19 Testing Offered on Iron Range Next Week

July 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County officials say free COVID-19 testing will be made available on the Iron Range next Tuesday and Wednesday. The drive-thru testing will be held at the St. Louis County Fairgrounds on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Anyone can be tested even if you…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 23

July 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 48,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,561 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 905,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,524 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,818 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Governor to Sign Police Accountability Bill

July 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign a police accountability bill into law Thursday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis. The bill, passed by the Legislature earlier this week, also bans chokeholds and so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force….

Duluth Hotel Industry Slowly Picking Up, Hoping to Reach Last Summer Numbers

According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their lowest point.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest hotel in Duluth, Holiday Inn and Suites on First Street Downtown says while business doesn’t look like last summer, it is picking up. The staff at Holiday Inn say occupancy is down 50% from what it was last summer. According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their…

Live Music, Lake Shore Views Back for Wednesday Night at Glensheen

The weekly celebration is back through August at 250 person capacity.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday nights are busy at Glensheen Mansion once again, as their “Wednesday Night at Glensheen” weekly celebrations are on now through August. Attendees can come for free and sit outside and enjoy some drinks and music every Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year only 250 people are allowed anywhere on the grounds at a…

Gov. Walz Says Mask Mandate Will Help Keep Businesses Open, Infection Rate Down

As of Saturday masks will be required in all indoor public spaces.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- On Wednesday, Minnesota joined over two dozen other states in requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public places statewide. That new Executive Order by Governor Tim Walz goes into effect Saturday morning. You can find the full executive order here. “This is a small sacrifice for a potentially big gain,” Gov. Walz said. “The upside of the…

Little Mariners Child Care Center to Open in Silver Bay

Center aiming to open this fall in the William Kelley School

July 22, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – A childcare shortage across much of the Northland has become even more urgent during this pandemic, especially in less populated towns. Now, a childcare center is expected to open in Silver Bay to help with the growing demand. Little Mariners Child Care Center is on course to open this fall. The center is expected to greatly…

Thrift Stores Are Becoming Another Resource For Back-To-School Shopping

Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season.

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The school year is quickly approaching, and many parents may be facing some challenges as they work to get their kids prepared. Many are turning to thrift stores as the pandemic continues to create financial struggles. Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season. Due…

It’s National Hot Dog Day

On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day.

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you want to relish in the joys of a good old fashion hot dog, here’s your chance because it’s National Hot Dog Day. The holiday is celebrated every year to pay homage to the popular summer fan favorite. On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of the…

Cloquet Mayor Reacts To Passing Of Mask Ordinance

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Less than 24 hours before Governor Tim Walz made his announcement the Cloquet City Council approved an ordinance requiring residents to wear masks while at indoor businesses. Cloquet Mayor Roger Maki initially had some concerns the vote would fail. He says although the vote was not unanimous he is grateful for the councilors who changed their minds….

Inflatable Pools Are Selling Out At Many Stores

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you were looking to buy an inflatable pool to help cool off this summer, you may have missed your chance. Inflatable pools have become such a hot ticket item that big box and hardware stores have already sold out. Marshall Hardware in Duluth sold over 100 of the inflatables after temperatures have been pretty high for…

New Sanitizer Outlet Store Opens

With a soft opening, Owner Rick Lampton calls, the Clear-San Pro outlet store was unique business opportunity.

July 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – What started as a pop-up shop in superior has now turned to a full-fledged business. With a soft opening, Owner Rick Lampton calls, the Clear-San Pro outlet store was unique business opportunity. “We were going to put the product in our establishments. Then we thought this might be an opportunity to sell some of it to the…

Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death Faces Tax Evasion Counts

July 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd was charged Wednesday with multiple felony counts of tax evasion. Derek Chauvin and his wife, Kellie May Chauvin, were each charged in Washington County with six counts of filing false or fraudulent tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2019 and three…

One Dead, One Seriously Injured in Semi vs Car Crash in Proctor

July 22, 2020

Site Staff,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol says one person is dead and another is seriously injured after their car crashed into a semi-truck on Highway 2 in Proctor. The crash happened around 3:23 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities say a Nissan Altima was traveling East on Highway 2 when it crossed the center line and was struck by a logging truck traveling…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 22

July 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,961 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,552 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 888,551 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,234 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,771 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Governor Prepares to Announce Masking Decision

July 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce a statewide face mask mandate on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The governor has scheduled a news conference with health officials and business owners to announce his “next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19.” His spokesman said it will be an announcement…

Science Museum of Minnesota to Reopen in September

July 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Science Museum of Minnesota is making plans to reopen on September 4, but will do so with 39 percent less of its staff, according to museum officials. According to an update released by the museum Tuesday evening, 158 employees will be laid off following the five-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the museum closed in…

Minnesota State Fair Offering Drive-Thru Experience

The event will allow fair-goers to experience 16 vendors while also supporting the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

July 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ST, PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair will host a State Fair Food Parade in late August and early September. The event will allow fair-goers to experience 16 vendors while also supporting the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Favorites like Pronto Pups and Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar will be available. Tickets will go on sale Friday, July 31st. The parade will…

Northland Natives Formulate Healthy Boost with Boomerang Energy

Duluthians Donny and Will Pearson Wanted to Create a Healthier Alternative to Traditional Energy Drinks

July 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – We’ve all been there – Long days at work making for sleepy afternoons waiting for the clock to strive five. Each year millions of energy drinks are sold in the United States. Now the Northland has a local option for those looking to sip on a healthier boost of energy. “You throw it out, it comes back,”…

Mayor Larson Responds to Criticism Over Ordinance to Remove ‘Chief’ From CAO Title

July 21, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson responded Tuesday after Duluth city councilors voiced their frustrations at Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance to remove the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title that failed to pass. If passed, the new title would have been City Administrator. “I really think the title should have been changed. And you know,…

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Construction Of Mixed-Use Space At Board Of Trade Building Nears Completion

The housing units are about 50% full.

July 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The transformation of the historic Board of Trade building in downtown Duluth is inching closer to completion. In October, construction crews began renovating the century-old building to turn it into the next mixed-used space in the city. The building will offer more than 80 mixed-income housing units and commercial space. Nearly 20%of those are affordable units. Each…

Fairlawn Mansion’s Ice Cream Social Goes Virtual

July 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of Fairlawn Mansion’s biggest fundraisers of the year is going virtual. The Twin Ports community will get a chance to participate in the annual Ice Cream Social right from the comfort of their homes. There will be tons of activities such as a coloring and sundae making contest. Also, participants will get a virtual tour of…

Minnesota Judge Lifts Gag Order in George Floyd Case

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Tuesday lifted a gag order in the criminal case against four former officers charged in death of George Floyd, but said he would take a news media coalition’s request to make body camera footage more widely available under advisement. Even though the gag order was vacated, Hennepin…

Gov. Walz Strongly Hints he Will Impose Statewide Mask Mandate This Week

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is strongly hinting that he will impose a statewide mask mandate this week. “I think you can expect an announcement in the next day or two,” he said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters that, “the businesses tell us we do” need a statewide…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A red flag warning has been issued by the Duluth Fire Department due to dangerous swimming conditions on Park Point. The warning is in effect until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. The fire department is telling swimmers to stay…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 21

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,457 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,548 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 876,859 tests have been completed to date. There are 41,511 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,723 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Lawmakers Ban Neck Restraints After Floyd’s Death

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature has passed a package of police accountability measures that include a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis. The sweeping package passed early Tuesday after legislators worked through the night on the bill, which was said to be one of the…

Duluth City Councilors Point Fingers As Vote To Remove ‘Chief’ From Job Title Fails

July 21, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Built-up emotions and frustrations poured out from city councilors during Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance that called for the removal of the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title. The ordinance was pushed publicly by Mayor Emily Larson in June who said the word “chief” is offensive to the Indigenous community and removing…

New Federally Funded Construction Projects at Duluth International Airport to Infuse $2 Million into Local Construction

Asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A and the Commercial Service Apron will be expanded.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport announced two new construction plans that are fully funded by the federal CARES Act, which will infuse $2 million into the regional construction community. Starting this week, the top layer of asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A, which officials said is necessary for safety. It is a short-term solution while they evaluate permanent…

Sports Garden’s Future Uncertain, Flame Nightclub Adapts Amid Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two of Duluth’s biggest nightclubs are operating very differently during COVID-19. For The Flame Nightclub, it’s a shutdown dance floor. For Grandma’s Sports Garden — it’s a temporary closure of the entire venue. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the balance of health and safety versus bigger entertainment venues designed to bring hundreds of people…

City Green-Lights Tax Breaks For Costco, County To Have Public Hearing Next Week

July 20, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city council unanimously approved a tax abatement plan on Monday evening for Costco to build on the corner of Arrowhead and Haines roads. St. Louis County still needs to approve tax breaks for Costco for the company to agree to build in Duluth. $1.3 million will come from the city of Duluth, and $650,000 may come…

Virginia Woman Makes Life-Sized Monopoly Game In Her Driveway

The giant copycat even has all that's needed to play including real-life game pieces like the iron and the wheelbarrow.

July 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Who doesn’t love a good game of Monopoly? One Virginia woman created a life-size version of the popular childhood game in her driveway. The colorful board painted on the driveway is a real duplicate of the original game. The giant copycat even has all that’s needed to play including real-life game pieces like the iron and the…

Mayor Larson Announces Members of Spirit Mountain Task Force

July 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced on Monday that thirteen members have been selected for the Spirit Mountain Task Force. Last month, the city said they would be creating the Task Force to assist in drafting ” a set of recommendations intended to help achieve financial stability” for Spirit Mountain moving forward. The Task Force will be working…

Minnesota Reports its 1st COVID-Related Death of Child

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded its first COVID-19-related death in a child, according to health department data released Monday, as Gov. Tim Walz ponders whether students should head back to school for learning in the fall. Few details about the child were released Monday, but the Minnesota Department of Health said the child was between the ages of 0-5…

Minnesota Senate GOP Leader Says Deal Near on Policing Bill

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate says legislative leaders have a tentative agreement on the outlines of a police accountability bill. But chances appear dimmer for a $1.9 billion public construction projects package that has yet to win the necessary GOP support in the Democratic-controlled House. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 20

July 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 46,204 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,541 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 853,188 tests have been completed to date. There are 40,001 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,627 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota House GOP: No Deal on Bonding or Policing Bills

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota House Republican leaders said Monday they won’t provide the votes needed to pass a $1.9 billion public construction projects bill, and that they won’t back a package of police accountability measures either. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, of Crown, made the comments at a news conference as lawmakers returned to the Capitol to…

Weekend Tornadoes Rip Up Trees, Damage Boats, Outbuildings

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The National Weather Service says five tornadoes toppled trees and tore up lake docks in Minnesota and Wisconsin during the weekend. In Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, the weather service says a tornado touched down a few miles southwest of Osseo early Sunday. The tornado with peak winds of 105 mph brought down trees and damaged outbuildings and crops….

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

Clean Up Begins After Weekend of Severe Storms

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

The National Weather Service out of Duluth is surveying damage in the Blueberry and Ashland areas in Northwest Wisconsin to determine if two tornadoes formed during storms that rolled through Friday night and into Saturday. Click the video above for a recap of this weekend’s severe weather outbreak. And for Saturday’s storm coverage, click here. Categories: Minnesota, News, News –…

5 Rescued After Boat Capsizes South of Ely

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Gusty winds are to blame after a boat capsized on a lake just south of Ely Sunday, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The water emergency happened around 2:30 p.m. Sunday on White Iron Lake in Morse Township. The five people in the 14-foot boat who went overboard were all wearing life jackets at…

Suspect On The Run After Robbing Aurora Gas Station At Gunpoint

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

AURORA, Minn. – The East Range Police Department is searching for an armed gunman after a robbery at the Lucky Seven gas station in Aurora, Minnesota. The crime happened around 10 p.m. Saturday. Nobody was injured. Police are hoping somebody will recognize the masked man in surveillance images taken from the crime. If you know anything, you’re asked to call…